FAQ

What are the dates of the summer program? The program begins Monday, June 24 and ends Friday, August 16th. The first half of the program will take place in Davis, California where we will attend the Linguistic Institute at the University of California, Davis. The second half of the program will take place in Santa Barbara, California at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

What is the Linguistic Institute? Every other summer the Linguistic Society of America (LSA) sponsors the Linguistic Institute, which is essentially an intellectual summer camp for linguists all over the world. Space is limited, and funding is very competitive. This is an opportunity to network with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates as well as take cutting-edge courses from some of the most well-known scholars in the field. Find more information about the Linguistic Institute and the LSA by clicking here.

What if my fall semester starts before the program ends? Can I still be a part of the program? It is important that you stay for the entire program in order to benefit fully from the resources and to complete all the program requirements. However, we don’t want this to discourage you from applying. If you find yourself in this situation, please send the program coordinator, Jazmine Exford, a message that details your concerns. You must be able to figure out how you can fully participate in the program should you have to leave a little early to start your fall semester.

When will decisions be made about admitted applicants? After the application deadline of November 13, we will work as quickly as we can to review all applications thoroughly and set up online interviews for finalists. We anticipate that admitted applicants will be notified no later than the first week of December. We will also have a wait list in case an admitted student is unable to participate in the program.

How many students will be admitted to the program? Currently we have funding for up to 11 students; however, we continue to seek funding to open the program up to more students.

Will housing and transportation be provided? Yes! Transportation to and from UC Davis as well as to and from UC Santa Barbara will be covered by the program. Students will be responsible for any fees to change a ticket for a flight, bus, train, etc. once transportation is confirmed and booked. Housing will be provided at both UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara. You will be staying in student housing with at least one other student in the program. A meal plan for the dining hall is also provided.

Will this program include a stipend and if so, how much? Yes, the program provides students with a stipend of $4,000 in check form over several installments.

I am not a linguistics major. Can I still apply? Yes. However, you must demonstrate a strong interest in language and discuss in your application how your discipline prepares you to do linguistic research. Students admitted to the UCSB-HBCU Scholars in Linguistics program will take an online seminar-style introductory linguistics course through UCSB so that everyone has a shared foundation in linguistics. This background will prepare you to take coursework at the Linguistic Institute.

I have extensive background in linguistics. Do I still have to take the introductory course if I’m admitted to the program. Yes, but you’ll play a special role: You’ll be a TAA (Teaching Assistant’s Assistant), essentially a peer mentor who will work closely with your colleagues who are newer to linguistics.

I don’t attend an HBCU. Can I still apply? Yes! The program includes students from HBCUs as well as all other colleges and universities in the U.S.

I am graduate student. Can I still apply? No. At the moment, this program only admits undergraduates.

I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I still apply? Due to the requirements of our funding sources, applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States or should have DACA, Dreamer, or AB 540 status.

Do I submit my letters of recommendation with my other application materials? In order for your letters of recommendation to stay confidential, they must be sent directly to linguistics-hbcuscholar@ucsb.edu by your recommenders. The letters should be addressed to Dr. Mary Bucholtz and/or Dr. Anne Charity Hudley. All of your other application materials should be sent as separate files in a single email in PDF format.